Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of residing in London. While this may not seem extensive, I have gathered some insights during this time. London is an energetic city, presenting an array of housing choices and lively neighborhoods. Students have numerous options available to them. Both student accommodations and private housing feature choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, collective and individual rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Local students can conveniently set up apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential lodgings online, examine amenities, and evaluate distances to public transport.
In my hunt for a residence, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key landmarks, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six circular zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s transit system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifies navigation and commuting between zones. Personally, I sought to lower travel expenses since inter-zonal travel can cost as much as £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than use buses or the tube. However, oyster card options have made university travel more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare structures of the various train operating companies. Central London boasts significant attractions, leading to elevated living expenses. Fortunately, I enrolled at the university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, markedly lowering rental costs. I leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations, aspiring to connect with peers from different backgrounds and of similar age, a blend harder to find within private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland, are prevalent. Proximity to vital shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies expedites errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood is a challenging choice. London’s diverse communities contribute significantly to its cultural essence, presenting a rich blend of varied neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek connections to their home cultures within London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a substantial South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music atmosphere. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community-rich neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London hinge on personal preferences and requirements. When searching for a new place to call home in London, embrace the diversity and abundance of its housing options, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.